What impact did Greek Mythology have on later Civilizations?
Greek mythology has a lasting and profound impact on later civilizations. Some of the ways in which this impact lasted are as follows:
- The Roman Empire was the next empire that came up after the decline of the Greek civilization. The Romans were heavily influenced by Greek mythologies. They adapted the myths of the Greeks and gave the Greek gods and goddesses Latin names. For example, Zeus became Jupiter and Hera became Juno.
- During the Renaissance, there was a revival of influence of Greek mythology. Writers, painters and sculptors were inspired by Greek art and culture and created a number of masterpieces. Some examples of Greek culture in Renaissance art include Paolo Veronese’s painting “Mars and Venus” and Pollaiolo’s engraving “Heracles and Antaeus”.
- Greek mythology greatly influenced Western literature. For example the ancient Greek poet Homer is credited with writing two of the most famous poems “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”. The Iliad is about the final year of the Trojan War and The Odyssey is the sequel to the Iliad and describes the return of the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War. These two works have been studied and adapted throughout history.
- Greek mythology has also influenced the English language. Many words and phrases like Pandora’s box, Achilles heels, have Greek connotations and are used in the English language.
- Greek mythology has shaped Greek philosophy which in turn has shaped Western philosophy. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are famous Greek philosophers and their thoughts have influenced future philosophers. The Euclidean Theorem and the Pythagorean Theorem are also used in modern day mathematics.
Greek Civilization – When did it Begin and End?
Ancient Greece is often hailed as the cradle of Western civilization. Flourishing from 1200 BCE to 323 BCE, Ancient Greece was divided into several city states with their own set of political and cultural values. The Greek Civilization has left a lasting and permanent mark on the world through its contributions in philosophy, mythology, literature, art and culture and politics. Some examples of the contributions of Ancient Greece to the world include the birth of democracy in Athens, Homer’s famous poems ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’, philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and mathematicians like Pythagoras and Euclid and their famous theorems.